In this edition of our Career Perspectives series, we had the pleasure of speaking with Camila Pazos, Senior Director, Business Development at Cytel. With a career spanning from oncology research to business development, Camila drive has remained the same: to help bring scientific advances closer to the people who need them most.

In this interview, Camila discusses her career trajectory, industry trends, and how she expertly bridges scientific expertise with strategic thinking.

Can you give us a little background on your career so far?

My curiosity for science sparked early. I was that kid who never stopped asking questions. I vividly remember being 12, bursting into the kitchen during breakfast, absolutely thrilled to share that the human genome had just been fully decoded. Even at that age, it felt monumental.

I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare ― it felt like a calling. For a while, I considered going into medicine. But after going through a very thorough career orientation program, I realized something crucial: I didn’t just want to diagnose problems, I wanted to discover solutions. That insight led me to research, where I quickly felt at home.

Reproductive medicine and oncology have always been my two main interests. So, when I had the chance to pursue a PhD in gynecological cancer research after graduating as a molecular biologist and geneticist, it felt like destiny. During my PhD, I realized that while I loved scientific discovery, I was equally passionate about ensuring those discoveries reached people.

What truly motivated me was the desire to see those discoveries make a real-world impact. I began to realize that even the most groundbreaking research would remain abstract unless it could be effectively translated, packaged, and delivered to the patients who needed it. That’s what ultimately led me to transition from academia into the pharmaceutical industry.

Stepping into market access gave me a whole new perspective. It was the perfect intersection of science, strategy, and communication. I found myself negotiating with payers, developing launch plans, and articulating the value of therapies ― all while staying rooted in evidence and outcomes. In many ways, I was already operating at the edge of commercial strategy.

Over time, I naturally transitioned into more commercial roles, which allowed me to bridge scientific depth with strategic business thinking. Today, I serve as Senior Director of Business Development at Cytel, working across trial design, statistical programming, RWE, HEOR, and market access. This shift significantly expanded my impact. Instead of focusing on a single product or pipeline, I could now support multiple pharmaceutical companies across their R&D and commercialization strategies. It’s been incredible fulfilling to operate at this intersection where science meets strategic execution.

What do you like best about your role, and about working at Cytel?

What energizes me most about my role is its inherently interdisciplinary nature. Every day, I collaborate with biostatisticians, clinicians, RWE experts, health economists, and market access strategists to solve some of the most complex challenges in drug development. That diversity of thought and expertise keeps me constantly learning and growing. I truly thrive in that intellectually rich, collaborative environment.

What sets Cytel apart — and what drew me to the company in the first place — is its unwavering commitment to scientific rigor. The depth, integrity, and thought leadership our teams bring to every project is inspiring. Cytel’s mission to accelerate innovation and improve decision-making in healthcare aligns closely with my own values. I’ve always believed in bringing science closer to the patient, and here, I get to do that in a meaningful and scalable way.

I also love the unique vantage point this role gives me. Working with multiple pharmaceutical companies across different therapeutic areas gives me a broad view of industry trends and emerging shifts. It’s fascinating to get that big-picture perspective and be able to contribute to shaping strategies that drive both innovation and access.

You were recently promoted to Senior Director of Business Development. Congratulations! What has this new role added to your perspective on Cytel’s mission and your own career goals?

Thank you! Through this role, I have gained a deeper appreciation for Cytel’s mission to deliver quantitative insights throughout drug development and commercialization, whether through advanced analytics, trial design, or market access. I’m now more involved in shaping how we position these offerings globally, aligning our commercial strategy and innovation priorities.

To me, this function marks a meaningful step toward leadership and strategic influence—enabling not only my own growth but also the opportunity to mentor colleagues and contribute to shaping Cytel’s future direction.

You’re known for bridging scientific expertise with strategic thinking. How do you approach aligning technical depth with commercial impact?

I start with ensuring I truly understand the scientific problem. Is it a statistical challenge or real-world data nuance? From there, I contextualize it in terms of commercial strategy by asking myself the following questions: “How will this data shape payer decisions? What will clinicians need to see?”

This helps me build frameworks that speak to both scientific rigor and business outcomes. Additionally, I cultivate strong scientific partnerships with internal experts, so commercial proposals are not just technically sound but tightly aligned with market needs.

What, according to you, are some of the current pain points of the industry? Are there any trends in the clinical trial industry you’ve noticed coming up?

One of the biggest challenges the industry faces today is the growing complexity and scrutiny of evidence generation. Demonstrating efficacy is no longer sufficient. You also need to show real-world effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, comparative value, and alignment with patient-centered outcomes ― all in a way that satisfies regulators, payers, and patients alike.

Integrating real-world evidence, adaptive designs, and payer-relevant data into a unified evidence strategy is becoming essential but also incredibly demanding. In Europe, the introduction of the EU Joint Clinical Assessment (EU JCA) is increasing pressure for earlier harmonization of clinical and economic evidence in development. This presents logistical and strategic challenges due to still-varying national HTA requirements.

In clinical trial design specifically, there’s a real push to develop more adaptive and simulation-based designs that enable earlier go/no-go decisions and optimize resource use. These designs can significantly reduce time and cost, but only when executed with strong statistical and operational planning.

Another area of increasing importance is the role of Data Monitoring Committees (DMCs). As trials become more complex and high-stakes, DMCs must remain fully independent to ensure scientific integrity and patient safety. Maintaining that independence while integrating their insights into real-time development decisions is a delicate balance, and a growing operational challenge for sponsors.

We’re also seeing a sharp increase in the demand for health equity and diversity in clinical evidence. Trials must reflect real-world populations across socioeconomic, racial, and geographic dimensions — not only as a moral imperative, but because it impacts access, reimbursement, and long-term outcomes.

In terms of emerging trends, I’ve noticed:

• AI and machine learning are increasingly being explored for trial optimization, evidence synthesis, and predictive analytics, though regulatory frameworks are still evolving.
• The growing emphasis on early alignment between regulatory and payer needs, particularly with the rise of conditional approvals and accelerated pathways.
• And finally, the move toward a more patient-centered model, which is reshaping everything from endpoint selection to economic modeling and value demonstration.

You’ve worked across RWE, HEOR, market access, and now clinical trial design, statistical programming, Data Monitoring Committees and biostatistics. How do you stay on top of these trends?

Staying up to date in this industry requires a mindset of continuous learning and intellectual curiosity. I regularly read peer-reviewed journals, follow regulatory updates, and attend key conferences and webinars covering the latest developments in HEOR & RWE, biostatistics, clinical trial innovation, and evidence synthesis.

At Cytel, I benefit greatly from our internal training programs and knowledge-sharing platforms. But most importantly, I get to collaborate closely with brilliant experts across the organization who constantly expand my understanding and challenge my thinking.

I also try to approach every conversation and every project with a humble attitude. No one can be an expert in everything. I’ve learned that asking questions, listening deeply, and remaining open to new perspectives are some of the most valuable tools we have to stay sharp and relevant.

Ultimately, having worked across different domains gives me a cross-functional lens, from early development to market access, but I never stop learning from the people around me.

You’ve studied and worked in Argentina, Chile, the United States, and Spain. How has this international experience shaped your approach to business and leadership?

Living and working across Argentina, Chile, the U.S., and Spain has had a profound impact on how I approach both business and professional relationships. It taught me to navigate diverse cultural perspectives, adapt to different communication styles, and understand the intricacies of various healthcare systems.

This international experience has made me more flexible, empathetic, and context aware. I’ve learned to listen actively, respect local nuances, and tailor my communication and strategies to align with varying decision-making processes and organizational dynamics. Whether I’m engaging with a global pharma client or collaborating with an internal team, I aim to foster inclusive, respectful relationships where diverse perspectives are genuinely valued.

Ultimately, understanding the subtleties of different markets and work cultures allows me to build stronger, more effective collaborations. It’s not just about speaking the same language — it’s about understanding the context behind the words. That’s what truly drives meaningful connections and successful outcomes in a global industry.

As a remote employee, how do you maintain a healthy work life balance? What strategies work for you, and do you feel supported by Cytel in this regard?

Remote work offers incredible flexibility, especially as a parent of two young children with their own routines and needs. But it also comes with real challenges, particularly when working across global time zones. I’ll admit that I sometimes struggle to set strict boundaries. It’s a skill I’ve had to consciously develop. I want to be available for both clients and my family, which can make it hard to truly disconnect.

One of the most difficult aspects of remote work is not being physically close to your colleagues. You miss those impromptu hallway conversations, quick brainstorms, or the organic moments of connection that happen in an office. So, we found ways to stay meaningfully connected through structured check-ins, virtual coffee chats, and internal knowledge-sharing sessions that help maintain a strong sense of collaboration and cohesion, even from a distance.

I truly value the benefits of working from home and wouldn’t go back to a full-time office setup. The flexibility it provides — and the time saved from commuting — has had a huge impact on how I manage my time and energy. I’ve happily exchanged commuting hours for morning workouts, and being EU-based, I can use the first part of the day for deep focus work. This quiet window allows me to clear through incoming requests from the U.S. overnight, and handle Asia-Pacific communications efficiently. I also try to build in a midday break to recharge, before shifting into U.S. overlap hours, which are typically filled with client meetings and team calls.

I genuinely believe that remote work, when well-structured and supported as it is at Cytel, enables people to be more focused, effective, and productive.

What are your main interests outside of work?

I’m passionate about yoga and meditation! They help me stay grounded and cultivate a daily practice of gratitude, which is essential for mindfulness and balance. I also enjoy painting, a passion inspired by my grandmother, who had a background in fine arts and introduced me to painting on canvas with oils and acrylics, as well as drawing, ceramics, and craftsmanship in general.

Spending quality time with my kids is a huge part of my life outside of work. Whether it’s a day at the beach building sandcastles and swimming during the summer or enjoying cozy indoor playtime when it’s cold outside, those moments recharge me and remind me of what matters most.

Finally, what’s one piece of career advice you wish you had received earlier?

It’s okay to pivot in your career. Your PhD or technical training doesn’t confine you to one path. The skills you develop — analytical thinking, problem-solving, and curiosity — are transferable. Always embrace exploration and be proactive about learning new things. Don’t underestimate the power of soft skills like communication, collaboration, and leadership. They often open more doors than technical skills alone do.

Also, if you’re a woman in science or an immigrant, be prepared to face additional challenges. You’ll likely need to consistently prove your expertise in environments that may have unconscious biases. Adapting to new cultures and building networks from scratch can be tough. But remember, these challenges build resilience and help you develop a strong professional voice. Use those experiences to advocate for yourself and others, and to create more inclusive spaces in your field.

Thank you, Camila, for sharing your experience!

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